How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There is a significant variation in quality of adult ADHD assessments and assessment reports. This is not acceptable and must be addressed.
You will be provided with pre-screening questions to complete that your psychiatrist will review before you meet. This will ensure that your consultation runs smoothly without the need for lengthy appointments.
Symptoms
If you're having difficulty concentration, restlessness or managing your emotions, it's worth consulting a doctor to determine if ADHD may be the cause. About 2.6m people in the UK suffer from ADHD, which is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts the way the brain works. It is important to be aware that other conditions may be causing you problems. These conditions must be taken into consideration before you are diagnosed with ADHD.
Your specialist will ask you about your symptoms when you go for an ADHD assessment. They will also inquire about how long you've been suffering from the symptoms and how they impact your life. Then, they'll determine if you meet the criteria set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will look at the ways in which your symptoms affect your daily activities, as well as seeking input from those who know you.
Psychologists have a lot of experience diagnosing ADHD. They'll be able tell you within a few minutes if you fit the criteria. If they're unsure they'll conduct a comprehensive mental health exam and review your other health problems. This will include looking at other conditions that could coexist with ADHD, as well as those that could result in a missed diagnosis of ADHD such as anxiety or depression.
However, if you are having difficulty obtaining an ADHD assessment through the NHS there are private providers who can offer assessments through a video call. You can find details of these providers on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page, and we recommend that you look up the waiting times before you select one. You can inquire with your GP about this, or call them directly to inquire the current waiting times for an assessment. If this is important to you, be sure that they provide this service. Some providers have agreements to offer this service with local NHS Trusts, so make sure to check with your GP about the arrangements in your area.
Diagnosis
Ask your GP to refer you to a specialist if you suspect you may have ADHD. It's important to remember that GPs can't diagnose ADHD They only relay symptoms and ask for a referral to an expert.
When you go for your evaluation, you'll be able to meet with a consultant psychiatrist. The specialist will talk to you about your lifestyle and medical history, as well as asking questions about how your ADHD symptoms affect your life. They might also ask you to complete questionnaires and rating scales.
The process of assessing is based upon the guidelines established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your doctor will examine your present symptoms and how they affected you as when you were a child. They will also take into account comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and depression. These criteria will be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD.
One of the main challenges for people who have ADHD is obtaining a diagnosis. This is due to the stigma surrounding the condition and an absence of awareness among healthcare professionals. In addition, individuals from certain groups, like those who are of color, a woman at birth, or not native English people, could be discriminated against when seeking help for their symptoms.
There is no test that can confirm ADHD. If ADHD is the cause many people are mistakenly diagnosed with depression or anxiety. This can cause significant problems with professional and personal relationships, as well as with day-to-day functioning.
The NHS offers a Right to Choose Service for adult ADHD Assessments. This means that if you're dissatisfied with the wait times at your local NHS service you can opt to see another provider through the Right to Choose scheme. We have put together an inventory of the providers that offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. To find out the timeframes for waiting, contact the service providers.
Treatment
ADHD sufferers have a number of treatment options. what is an adhd assessment can include psychosocial therapy, medication or both. The best solution for each person will depend on their unique requirements and circumstances. While medication can ease symptoms and help improve performance, psychosocial support can address coexisting conditions like anxiety or depression.
how do i get an adhd assessment suffering from ADHD might also benefit from making reasonable adjustments to their environment, for example, changing seating arrangements or reducing distractions at the workplace or educational setting. This can be done under the supervision of a psychologist or psychiatrist.
The specialist will not only examine for ADHD but also look for comorbid conditions of the mental health, which may often accompany or mimic ADHD in adults. This will be done by examining symptom checklists and asking for feedback from people who know the person well like family members and friends.
If a doctor believes the person has the characteristics of ADHD, they will discuss the options for treatment. The most common treatments are stimulants, which increase concentration and reduce impulsivity. They are available in pills or injections and may have both long-term and short-term effects.
Other medications may be prescribed to control side effects, such as sleep problems and appetite loss, which are sometimes associated with ADHD. Some people benefit from psychosocial therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, which can help to treat anxiety or depression.
GPs are legally obliged to refer patients with concerns about ADHD for an assessment and treatment. However the NHS has an unfinished list of ADHD assessments that could take up to eight years to clear, according to the BBC's investigation by submitting FOI requests. This is a significant amount of time to wait for an essential service, which is the reason many people choose the private assessment method and can be self-referred and get more direct access to specialists.
Support
Visit your GP to get an ADHD assessment on NHS. Your concerns should be taken seriously and they'll ask you why you think you have ADHD. You may be asked to take a screening test to determine if your qualified to be seen. Once your GP accepts to refer you to a specialist, you will be added to the NHS waiting lists.
The average time to receive an NHS adult ADHD assessment in England is two years. This is due to the an enormous demand for the service and many areas are struggling to keep up with the demand.
If you're concerned about how long you'll need to wait, it may be helpful to write an email to your GP informing them of the reason you require an assessment. This will help them to be aware of the significance of the test and ensure that your request gets acted on. You can download an example letter from ADHD UK here.
If you've been referred to a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist will schedule an assessment. In the course of the assessment, they'll review your symptoms and look into any medical history that might be the cause of your ADHD symptoms. They'll also discuss your lifestyle and how ADHD impacts your daily routine. The test will typically last 45-90 minutes and can be conducted in person or via video call.
If your GP refers you for an NHS ADHD assessment and you are eligible, you could be eligible to receive treatment through the NHS. This is only possible if your GP can recommend you for an assessment via the Right to Choose pathway. You can self-refer if you don't want to wait around for an GP to refer you or in the event that you don't have one.
You can also seek out support from your local mental health trust. You can find out which NHS mental health trusts in your area offer ADHD assessments by looking up their websites (except for those that do not provide the service) or contacting them.